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Vision Development Description, Appendix 4: September 12, 2007 visioning event

In September 2007, a visioning event was held to discuss the identified key themes and begin to add detail to each theme. This event was attended by approximately 150 regional leaders and key CMAP stakeholders. At the beginning of the event, two outside speakers, historian Geoffrey Baer and designer Bruce Mau, provided perspective on the past and future of the northeastern Illinois region. During the second half of the event, the themes identified by the working committees were discussed by attendees, who were divided into twenty tables to review and suggest modifications to draft bullet points within each major theme. CMAP staff facilitators captured these inputs, which were then shown on a projection screen so that the entire room could view the results of each table’s work. Keypad polling devices were then used to let each attendee rate each theme statement.

Several documents describing the visioning event and its results are attached, including the following: • A program for the event. • Blank worksheets used to collect input from attendees. • Responses to discussion questions about what the region was currently recognized for and should be recognized for in 2040. • Initial bullet points developed by each table for the major theme that was assigned to them. • Results from keypad polling for these initial bullet points and questions concerning eliminating or combining any themes.

September 12, 2007 Vision for the Future Agenda | September 12, 2007

Meeting Objectives: 1. To create a dialogue about the region’s vision themes for the 2040 Regional Comprehensive Plan.

2. To begin formulating a set of vision statement’s that are specific to the northeastern Illinois region.

3. To evaluate, affirm and add to the region’s vision themes established by CMAP’s working committees.

8:30 – 9:00 a.m. Registration, doughnuts and coffee

9:00 – 9:05 a.m. Welcome by the Honorable Gerald Bennett, Board Chair, CMAP

9:05 – 9:20 a.m. The 2040 Regional Comprehensive Planning Process by Randy Blankenhorn, Executive Director, CMAP

9:20 – 9:45 a.m. Why is the northeastern Illinois region unique? by Geoffrey Baer, Historian, WTTW

9:45 – 9:55 a.m. Discussion: What is northeastern Illinois currently recognized for?

9:55 – 10:20 a.m. Designing our Future: Visualizing 2040 by Bruce Mau, Creative Director, Bruce Mau Design, Inc.

10:20 – 10:50 a.m. Discussion: What will the region win an award for in 2040?

10:30 – 10:55 a.m. Discussion: Evaluating and Refining the 2040 Vision Statements

10:50 – 11:00 a.m. B R E A K

11:00 – 11:10 a.m. Prioritizing the Vision Theme Areas

11:10 – 11:30 a.m. How did we do on the Vision Statements?

11:30 – 11:55 a.m. Discussion: Refining the 2040 Vision Statements

11:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Closing Remarks and Next Steps by Randy Blankenhorn, CMAP

12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Open Comment Period

 Vision for the Future Introduction

Metropolitan Chicago needs a long-term vision for the future to define the desired standards of prosperity and livability for its residents. With projections of an additional 2 million residents and over 1.2 million new jobs by 2040, communities across the seven-county region of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry, and Will must plan more collaboratively and comprehensively. Anticipated growth can become real progress if all stakeholders — including local governments, public agencies, developers, businesses, and especially residents — work together to define and implement a regional vision of sustainable prosperity.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) is developing the region’s first truly comprehensive plan for land use and transportation. To be published in 2010, the plan will articulate a regional vision based on a number of themes that have been identified by CMAP’s working committees. These themes are:

< Quality of life

< Sustainability

< Civic involvement

< Coordinated planning and government

< Economic competitiveness

< Education and workforce development

< Energy and resource conservation

< Environmental health

< Equity

< Future population needs

< Housing

< Public health and safety

< Reinvestment and infill

< Transportation accessibility and efficiency

< Water supply

Two themes — Quality of Life and Sustainability — are broader than the rest. Each of the other 13 themes contributes to or is related to Quality of Life and Sustainability. Therefore, these two overarching themes will be given special consideration during today’s visioning event.

This participatory meeting will yield the preliminary vision statement that, from Fall 2007 to Spring 2008, CMAP will use to engage stakeholders across the region. That public involvement process will yield the broader input and buy-in that will later be critical to the plan’s successful implementation.

 Vision for the Future Themes

Quality of life A. In 2040, residents of the region will enjoy a quality of life that is among the highest of any metropolitan region worldwide.

B. The region will consist of livable communities with recreation opportunities, transportation choices, housing options, and access to employment, education, and other regional assets. C. Communities will have distinct identities, built on their histories, aesthetic preferences, and the unique character of their residents and businesses.

D. Residents of the region will be safe, healthy, educated, and involved in their communities, regardless of age, income, ethnicity, or disability status.

Sustainability

A. In 2040, the region’s systems and activities will be sustainable in terms of the environment, economy, and equity, through a global approach that considers the needs of future generations. B. The region will actively mitigate the effects of its activities on climate change and will be prepared to adapt to the likely effects of climate change. C. The region’s leaders – today’s youth – will consider the externalities of their decisions on larger systems, including long-term economic competitiveness and regional equity.

Civic involvement A. In 2040, residents from across the region will be heard on issues that matter to them most.

B.  The region will have civic involvement from people of all ethnicities, cultures, and ages, and their contributions must be respected and valued. C. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions about regional issues — including health care, public safety, environmental justice, land use, and transportation planning — that contribute to livable communities. D. Residents of the region will be educated, have access to information, and have a strong sense of civic pride in their communities and region.

Coordinated planning and government

A. In 2040, local officials and planners from across the region will together address inter-related challenges that cut across jurisdictions and influence quality of life. B. Governments will share resources to promote efficiency and reduce destructive competition, balancing the need for economic development, a healthy environment, and equity across the region. C. Planning for transportation and other infrastructure will go hand-in-hand with land development and preservation, also recognizing links between health care, public safety, education, and social services. D. On major inter-regional issues, leaders will coordinate with their counterparts in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and other neighboring states.

 Vision for the Future

Economic competitiveness

A. In 2040, the region’s economy will enjoy a global status that ensures job opportunities at competitive wages across northeastern Illinois.

B.  Economic benefits will be created through planning that makes efficient use of energy and other resources and that reinvests in existing communities to enhance infrastructure, environment, public health, social equity, and cultural amenities. C. Traffic congestion will be addressed, and the region’s status as America’s intermodal and freight hub must be enhanced. D. Investments in education will prepare the region’s workforce to fill the jobs of tomorrow.

Education and workforce development A. In 2040, schools will have adequate funding, with accountability in terms of school performance, fiscal efficiency, and equity across the region. B. Workforce development programs will be a central component of economic prosperity and quality of life. C. Early childhood learning opportunities will help prepare young people across the region for the challenges of their school years. D. The region’s dependence on property taxes to fund education will be reduced by exploring other funding options.

Energy and resource conservation A. In 2040, the region will have effective local and regional stewardship for its extensive natural resources that require conservation. B. Energy consumption will be reduced by mixed-use developments that promote efficient transportation, with a balance of jobs and housing so residents may live nearer to where they work. C. Farmland will be viewed as an important regional resource, and its protection will be linked to conserva- tion of the region’s soil and water resources.

D. Effective regional and local water-supply planning will address shortages that are projected for many parts of the region.

Environmental health A. In 2040, metropolitan Chicago will build upon important steps taken in recent decades to protect the environment, including air quality, biodiversity and natural communities, native species, water quality and supply, stormwater management, and overall ecological function. B. Open space will be preserved — especially along sensitive waterways — to create green networks that reduce habitat fragmentation and enhance regional identity.

C.  Lake Michigan will be protected as an irreplaceable natural resource for health, economic prosperity, and recreation. D. Abundant transportation options, infill, and redevelopment will reduce the pressure to develop in environmentally sensitive areas, enhancing public health by creating communities that allow transportation choices.

 Vision for the Future

Equity

A. In 2040, the region as a whole will benefit the most by pursuing equitable objectives that benefit each part of the region in terms of environmental justice, public safety, education, housing, taxation, and overall livability.

B.  Policy and investment decisions will reflect careful consideration of their impacts on the region’s diverse residents.

C.  All residents must have equitable access to economic opportunity, infrastructure, natural resources, and other public assets. D. Intergovernmental cooperation through collaborative planning will be key to achieving equity.

Future population needs

A. In 2040, needs of the region’s population will be met through effective, collaborative planning at all levels of the public and private sectors. B. Today’s planning for land use, transportation, housing, and other systems will carefully consider the differing needs of future residents. C. True sustainability will be achieved by addressing the impacts of policy and investment decisions on the needs of residents and businesses in 2040.

Housing

A. In 2040, residents of the region will have access to decent, safe, and affordable housing across the region to assure equal access to opportunities. B. The region’s communities and institutions will recognize that housing is a basic human need, and the region will be balanced geographically in its housing supply. C. Today’s proactive planning for housing needs will lead to greater economic viability in 2040.

D. The region’s approach to housing will respond to national trends and market conditions and will feature progressive, inclusionary policies to mitigate detrimental regulatory barriers.

Public health and safety A. In 2040, residents will choose healthy lifestyles that benefit from the availability of open space, transportation and recreation options, livable communities, and fresh locally grown food. B. To protect public health and economic competitiveness, equitable access to health care will be a priority for decision makers in the public and business sectors. C. In 2040, the region and its residents will be served by effective systems for managing emergencies related to public health, security, transportation, stormwater, and natural disasters. D. Residents will live and work in communities that are safer due to effective law enforcement built on mutual trust and intergovernmental cooperation.

 Vision for the Future

Reinvestment and infill

A. In 2040, the region will pursue a strategy of reinvestment and infill to maximize the benefit of existing infrastructure and contribute to a healthy environment. B. Public and private investment in businesses, homes, physical infrastructure, and people will contribute to community prosperity and vitality across the region.

C.  “Fix it first” policies will maintain and enhance the current multi-modal transportation system, leading to fiscally efficient investment decisions. D. Intergovernmental cooperation will structure taxation in the region to promote reinvestment and equi- table access to resources among communities.

Transportation accessibility and efficiency

A. In 2040, the region’s transportation system will be accessible and efficient to ensure quality of life and economic competitiveness. B. On-going and ample investment in transportation infrastructure will give residents a range of transportation choices that are multi-modal, integrated, and seamless. C. The transportation system will allow efficient movement of freight, with logistical support provided by intermodal centers that ease local connections to national and international markets. D. Congestion will be reduced to a level that permits sustainable economic activity and a high quality of life.

Water supply A. In 2040, water-supply planning and stewardship will be a high priority for governments, residents, and stakeholder groups across the region. B. Water demand and supply will be managed carefully to ensure equitable availability through drought and non-drought conditions alike. C. The quality of ground- and surface water used for drinking supplies will be protected, and withdrawal from each water source will be managed to protect long-term productive yields. D. Water availability will be sufficient to sustain aquatic ecosystems.

 Vision for the Future Mayor Gerald R. Bennett

Mayor of Palos Hills CMAP Board Chairman

Mayor Bennett grew up on the Southwest side of Chicago, one of 13 siblings. He attended St. Nicholas of Tolentine Grammar School, Brother Rice High School, Lewis University, and the University of Illinois at Chicago. Jerry and his wife Chris were married in 1970 and lived for a short time in the Beverly neigh- borhood of Chicago before moving to Palos Hills in 1972. The Bennett’s have three daughters: Sara, now Mrs. Ed Amendola, Becky and Kristin.

In 1979 the Mayor was first elected to the office of Alderman from the 2nd Ward. In 1981, at the age of 30, Alderman Bennett was elected to Mayor of the City of Palos Hills and is currently serving his seventh term. Besides the part-time/full-time posi- tion of Mayor, Jerry is president of Bennett Dental Labs, Inc. located in Palos Hills. He has been in business for 40 years.

Under Mayor Bennett’s leadership for the past 25 years, he has led the City of Palos Hills through a complete transformation into a modern, progressive community that is a model to all southwest suburban towns.

Mayor Bennett has devoted many additional volunteer hours by serving as founder and President of the Southwest Conference of Mayors for the last 24 years. He is co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Southwest Central Dispatch (an intergovernmental police and fire 911 service) for the last 19 years. In 2003 Mayor Bennett was elected Chairman of the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus and continues to serve on the Executive Board Committee. He presently serves as 1st Vice President of the Illinois Municipal League, and is Chairman of the Board of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP).

During Mayor Bennett’s 25 years in office, he has been an outspoken advocate for uniting cities and villages to speak as one voice in legislative action with both our congressional and state legislators. He has worked behind the scenes in forming and creating multi-governmental organizations that have benefited cities and villages not only in the southwest suburban area but, in metro and state regions. Besides the many major governmental organizations in both state and regional areas, Mayor Bennett has been asked to serve and has participated in numerous task forces, committees and panels regarding all aspects of governmental services. He has also been a guest lecturer on Public Administration at three major graduate universities in the Chicagoland area. Through his leadership Mayor Bennett has been recognized as a true voice for the mayors across metro Chicago and throughout the State of Illinois.

 Vision for the Future Randall S. Blankenhorn

Executive Director, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning

Randy Blankenhorn is executive director of CMAP, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (http://www.chicagoareaplanning.org), which is responsible for comprehensive planning across seven counties — Cook, DuPage, Kane, Kendall, Lake, McHenry and Will — that make up northeastern Illinois.

Under his leadership, CMAP has consolidated the previously separate regional planning agencies for land use and transportation. The resulting new agency has established an integrated approach that views the region’s challenges as a whole, rather than in isolation, with an emphasis on changing the way that we make development and infrastructure investment decisions. In addition to its core competencies in data and analysis related to land use, the environment, and transportation, CMAP is committed to addressing interrelated issues such as jobs, housing, and economic development. Randy and his staff have begun the process of developing the metropolitan Chicago area’s first truly comprehensive regional plan, which will be published in 2010.

He has over 20 years experience in the planning, development and implementation of transportation infrastructure projects for the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). As IDOT Bureau Chief of Urban Program Planning just prior to joining CMAP in May 2006, he coordinated the activities of the 14 metropolitan planning organizations across the State of Illinois.

 Vision for the Future Geoffrey Baer

Historian, Producer WTTW Channel 11 (PBS)

Geoffrey Baer is an Emmy Award-winning producer for WTTW Channel 11 (PBS). He is best known for the popular “TV tours” he writes and hosts for WTTW. These programs highlight the architecture and history of the Chicago area. They include Chicago By Boat: The New River Tour, Chicago’s Loop: A Walking Tour, Chicago’s Lakefront, and Chicago by ‘L’” Touring the Neighborhoods. He recently completed a five-year project creating programs about virtually all of Chicago’s suburban areas.

Geoffrey also appears on WTTW11’s flagship nightly news program Chicago Tonight reporting on architecture and Chicago history.

In his 18 years at WTTW, Mr. Baer has been executive producer of the weekly cultural magazine show Artbeat Chicago, and of the weekly documentary series Chicago Stories. He has also written and produced numerous other documentaries and cultural/entertainment specials for WTTW and PBS. Before joining WTTW, he worked at TV stations in Cincinnati, Michigan, and Philadelphia. He also spent five years on the theater faculty at Chicago’s high school for the arts. Mr.. Baer is a docent for the Chicago Architecture Foundation a board member of Art Institute of Chicago’s Architecture and Design Society and an emeritus board member of the Lookingglass Theatre Company. He has a master’s degree in theater from , and teaches improvisation and public speaking skills.

10 Vision for the Future Bruce Mau

Creative Director, Bruce Mau Design Inc. Founder, the Institute without Boundaries

Bruce Mau studied at the College of Art & Design in Toronto, but left prior to graduation in order to join the Fifty Fingers design group in 1980. He stayed there for two years, before crossing the ocean for a brief sojourn at Pentagram in the UK. Returning to Toronto a year later, he became part of the founding triumvirate of Public Good Design and Communications. Soon after, the opportunity to design Zone 1|2 presented itself and he left to establish his own studio, Bruce Mau Design, Inc. Bruce remained the design director of Zone Books until 2004 since that first publication, to which he has added duties as co-editor of Swerve Editions, a Zone imprint. From 1991 to 1993, he also served as Creative Director of I.D. magazine.

In 1995, Bruce Mau received considerable attention for the award-winning and critically acclaimed S,M,L,XL. Designed and conceived by Bruce Mau and Rem Koolhaas, the 1300-page compendium of projects and texts was generated by Pritzker Prize-winning Rem Koolhaas’ Office for Metropolitan Architecture.

From 1996 to 1999 Bruce Mau was the Associate Cullinan Professor at School of Architecture in Houston. He has also been a thesis advisor at the ’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape & Design; artist in residence at California Institute of the Arts; and a visiting scholar at the Getty Research Institute in Los Angeles. He has lectured widely across North America and Europe, and currently serves on the International Advisory Committee of the Wexner Center in Columbus, Ohio.

In addition, Bruce is an Honorary Fellow of the Ontario College of Art and Design and a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Art. He was awarded the Chrysler Award for Design Innovation in 1998, and the Toronto Arts Award for Architecture and Design in 1999. In 2001 he received an Honorary Doctor of Letters from the Emily Carr Institute of Art + Design.

Building on the practice of learning by doing, Bruce Mau founded the Institute without Boundaries in 2003, a studio-based postgraduate program in partnership with George Brown - Toronto City College. The IwB, formed out of the conviction that the future demands a new breed of designer, became the engine to produce Massive Change, an ambitious, multi-venue exhibition on the possibilities of design culture. Massive Change is also a book, an online forum, an education model as well as a Visionaries Symposium. The Massive Change exhibition opened to critical acclaim at the Vancouver Art Gallery in 2003, and has since toured to the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

The objective of Massive Change is to start a global movement of people committed to supporting a new vision of sustainable life on the planet. Envisioned as a collective project, Massive Change has become the optimistic design engine for the Bruce Mau Design practice. Well respected for broadening the idea of design, Bruce has worked with countries, such as Guatemala and Denmark to envision the future of their country.

11 Vision for the Future

CMAP would like to thank Continental Airport Express for providing shuttle bus transportation for today’s event.

The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) was created recently to integrate planning for land use and transportation in the seven counties of northeastern Illinois. For more information, visit http://www.chicagoareaplanning.org.

Publication #FY08-0008

12 CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

WORKSHEET #1

Quality of Life

What are the strengths the region is currently recognized for?

CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

Evaluating & Refining the Vision Statement - Round One Comments & Revisions WORKSHEET #2 Vision Statement: Revise the theme statement below.

Quality of Life A. In 2040, residents of the region will enjoy a quality of

Work in pairs life that is among the highest of any metropolitan region

worldwide.

LEAVE this sheet with your table facilitator

CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

Evaluating & Refining the Vision Statement - Round One Comments & Revisions WORKSHEET #2 Vision Statement: Revise the theme statement below.

Quality of Life B. The region will consist of livable communities with

Work in pairs recreation opportunities, transportation choices, housing

options, and access to employment, education, and other

LEAVE this sheet regional assets. with your table facilitator

CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

Evaluating & Refining the Vision Statement - Round One Comments & Revisions WORKSHEET #2 Vision Statement: Revise the theme statement below.

Quality of Life C. Communities will have distinct identities, built on their

Work in pairs histories, aesthetic preferences, and the unique character of

their residents and businesses.

LEAVE this sheet with your table facilitator

CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

Evaluating & Refining the Vision Statement - Round One Comments & Revisions WORKSHEET #2 Vision Statement: Revise the theme statement below. Quality of Life

Work in pairs D. Residents of the region will be safe, healthy, educated,

LEAVE this sheet with your and involved in their communities, regardless of age, table facilitator income, ethnicity, or disability status.

CMAP Visioning Event Work Sheet Wednesday, September 12th 2007

Prioritizing the Vision Themes WORKSHEET #3 1. Civic involvement 8. Future population needs

2. Coordinated planning and 9. Housing government

3. Economic competitiveness 10. Public health and safety

4. Education and workforce 11. Reinvestment and infill development

5. Energy and resource 12. Transportation accessibility and conservation efficiency

6. Environmental health 13. Water supply

7. Equity

Which of these themes should be combined?

Are any of these themes ‘overarching’ (similar to Quality of Life & Sustainability)?

Should any of these themes be eliminated?

Are we missing any themes?

Current assets of the region identified during visioning event (worksheet 1)

Comment Table Group / Theme Affordable: Workforce housing etc 13 Affordable and diverse housing Current housing stock’s potential for mixed income communities 16 Affordable and diverse housing Diversity (Choice, Style, age, price, etc) 13 Affordable and diverse housing Housing Development 11 Affordable and diverse housing Housing/Community Options 9 Affordable and diverse housing Senior housing, public housing 13 Affordable and diverse housing Very broad range in prices, style, age to meet many needs 13 Affordable and diverse housing Appreciation of history (preservation) 11 Architecture / historic preservation Built Environment (historical & architecture) 15 Architecture / historic preservation Good architecture 13 Architecture / historic preservation Central location 3 Central Midwest location Geographic location 5 Central Midwest location Location, location, location 15 Central Midwest location Location/ Centrality 19 Central Midwest location Nice/Easy to visit 5 Central Midwest location Mayor of Chicago (larger than life) 5 Chicago Safe city center (Loop) 14 Chicago Strong and vibrant central city 15 Chicago Forums for input 11 Civic involvement Neighborhood Advocacy Groups 1 Civic involvement Neighborhood Advocacy Groups 1 Civic involvement News Outlets 1 Civic involvement Participation of business and civic leaders 4 Civic involvement Strong and historical community involvement 10 Civic involvement Strong business and civic organizations 3 Civic involvement Recreational (sports, culture) 15 Cultural amenities Recreational (sports, culture) 15 Cultural amenities Sophisticated institutions 11 Cultural amenities Theaters, art museums etc. 15 Cultural amenities Theaters, art museums etc. 15 Cultural amenities World class museums and restaurants 4 Cultural amenities Cultural Diversity 2 Diversity Cultural Diversity 5 Diversity Cultural Events (celebrations) 5 Diversity Diverse population 11 Diversity Diversity (economic, social, cultural) 9 Diversity Diversity (including economic) 12 Diversity Diversity in terms of ethnic/racial and cultural, historically 12 Diversity Population diversity 10 Diversity Regions diversity 3 Diversity Social services network supports diversity 12 Diversity Working class/ immigrant historic culture 12 Diversity Chicago - Union Town 10 Economy Chicago is an improving central economy (economically diverse engine) 2 Economy Chicago is an improving central economy (economically diverse engine) 2 Economy Diversified Economic Base 4 Economy Diversity of labor force 6 Economy Diversity of opportunities (jobs, housing, education) 12 Economy Employment 11 Economy Global center for business 12 Economy Global Region 11 Economy Highly skilled diversified workforce 4 Economy International Center 15 Economy International working class region 12 Economy Region is an attraction for workers 6 Economy Work Ethic 5 Economy Areas of highly rated biological significance 7 Ecosystems Biodiversity 9 Ecosystems Greatest diversity of threatened and endangered species in Illinois 8 Ecosystems Intersection of American ecotypes, lakes, prairies and woods 8 Ecosystems Many examples of green building/construction 7 Ecosystems Cultural Institutions & K-12 have close ties 6 Education Education 11 Education Education institutions 4 Education Good jobs, good educational opportunities 15 Education Higher Education 5 Education Mix of public and private schools 6 Education Strength in education draws families 12 Education University & Government partnerships 6 Education Workforce Development w/ universities 6 Education Best farm soil in the world 9 Farmland Proximity to agriculture 5 Farmland Cook County (major facility) 14 Health care Healthcare institutions & Training 5 Health care System of hospitals in the Region 2 Health care Work renowned hospitals and research facilities 14 Health care World class healthcare institutions 4 Health care Lake Michigan 15 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan 15 Lake Michigan Abundance of Lake Michigan 17 Lake Michigan Abundant water (Lake Michigan) 20 Lake Michigan Coordination of Great Lakes water supply with other states and Canada 20 Lake Michigan Great Lake Shipping 18 Lake Michigan Known for preservation and access to Lake Michigan 17 Lake Michigan Lake and ground water resources 7 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan 9 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan & Shoreline (the million sparkling diamond) 8 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan ( Fresh Water abundance) 4 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan (efforts to keep clean) 2 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan (efforts to keep clean) 2 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan (water quality) 20 Lake Michigan Lake Michigan (Water resource) 5 Lake Michigan Lake water supply 14 Lake Michigan Sources of waterway recreation (boating) 7 Lake Michigan Councils of Mayors 3 Local governments County governments 3 Local governments Local and responsive government 12 Local governments Many Municipalities 1 Local governments Metropolitan Mayors Caucus 3 Local governments Units of local government 1 Local governments Very large number of municipalities 13 Local governments Ample supply of open lands for parks, preserves 7 Open space Existing preserved public lands 260,000 acres in the region 8 Open space Green spaces and parks, etc (but more could be done) 14 Open space Open areas/ Forest preserves 15 Open space Open areas/ Forest preserves 15 Open space Open Space 2 Open space Park system 11 Open space Recognition for preservation of open space 17 Open space Business/Gov. cooperation 5 Regional / coordinated planning Campaign for sensible growth 1 Regional / coordinated planning CMAP permanent funding source for MPO 2 Regional / coordinated planning CMAP Regional partners 2 Regional / coordinated planning CMAP, RTA, MWRD 3 Regional / coordinated planning COGs, Mayors Caucus, IML 2 Regional / coordinated planning COGs, Mayors Caucus, IML 2 Regional / coordinated planning Committed Resources for police, fire, and intergovernmental cooperation 14 Regional / coordinated planning Connectivity among communities and access to water 20 Regional / coordinated planning Cooperation to provide transportation 19 Regional / coordinated planning Strong center (Chicago) organizes the region 17 Regional / coordinated planning Strong Sense of cooperation (civic groups, business groups) 1 Regional / coordinated planning Aviation 12 Transportation infrastructure Bicycle facilities 18 Transportation infrastructure CTA, Metra, PACEà Unified Front 2 Transportation infrastructure CTA, Metra, PACEà Unified Front 2 Transportation infrastructure Existing infrastructure 16 Transportation infrastructure Expressways 16 Transportation infrastructure Extent of transportation network 9 Transportation infrastructure Freight Network (rail) 19 Transportation infrastructure Great examples of well implemented bicycle networks 7 Transportation infrastructure Grid network 16 Transportation infrastructure Hub (transportation) 19 Transportation infrastructure Hub for all modes 18 Transportation infrastructure Interstates 2 Transportation infrastructure Interstates 2 Transportation infrastructure ITS Infrastructures 18 Transportation infrastructure Know for CREATE/ sustain transportation 17 Transportation infrastructure Multi-modal 16 Transportation infrastructure Nation Transportation hub 9 Transportation infrastructure NE Illinois role in nation freight movements (similar to O’Hare for air travel) 18 Transportation infrastructure O’ Hare 18 Transportation infrastructure O’Hare 3 Transportation infrastructure Overall transportation network 19 Transportation infrastructure Pedestrian amenities 14 Transportation infrastructure Potential for transit 2 Transportation infrastructure Prairie path & Great western Path (regional efforts for interconnectivity) 8 Transportation infrastructure Public Transportation 15 Transportation infrastructure Public Transportation 15 Transportation infrastructure Public transportation system 18 Transportation infrastructure Rail roads 16 Transportation infrastructure Rail Trails—Regional networks 14 Transportation infrastructure Road, Rail, Water, Air (crossroads of America) 4 Transportation infrastructure Toll road system 18 Transportation infrastructure Transit Network 16 Transportation infrastructure Transit system (connectivity) 19 Transportation infrastructure Transportation 11 Transportation infrastructure Transportation supports economic life blood 17 Transportation infrastructure Transportation system 2 Transportation infrastructure Transportation system 2 Transportation infrastructure Transportation system ( Hwy, rail, water, air, freight and passenger) 5 Transportation infrastructure Walkability 13 Transportation infrastructure Well-known for public transit 17 Transportation infrastructure Groundwater resources 20 Water management Know for preservation/ clean storm water 17 Water management Regional stormwater and wastewater infrastructure 14 Water management Relatively inexpensive cost of water 20 Water management Watchdog oversight to protect water quality 20 Water management Water (abundant, good quality, managed) 8 Water management Water supply resources equally distributed 10 Water management Ample supply of nuclear energy (electricity) 7 Flexibility of defining the region 3 Great supply of aggregate resources (crushed stone) 7 High sense of identity (turf) 1 Public services 11 Regional Identity 3 Right size 15 Bullet points developed during vision event

Civic Involvement (Table 1)

A. Between now and 2040, residents from across the region will actively help shape action on issues that matter to them most.

B. The region will have reasons and ways to engage civic involvement from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, cultures, and ages, and their contributions must be respected and valued.

C. Residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions about regional issues – including health care, public safety, environmental justice, land use, education, water quality, employment, affordable housing, fair wages, air quality, and transportation planning – that contribute to livable communities.

D. Residents of the region will be informed about issues and decisions, and be involved in a process that creates daily, manageable, and meaningful involvement, leading to a strong sense of civic pride in their communities and region. The region’s systems will not create “winners” and “losers.”

Coordinated Planning and Government (Table 2)

A. In 2040, people throughout the region will work to look beyond political boundaries and treat the natural and built environments as one.

B. We will share resources to promote efficiency and equity in public educational opportunities, transportation and other infrastructure, economic development, and a healthy environment across the region.

C. Planning for transportation and other infrastructure and land development and preservation, also will be done in tandem and coordinated to create both transit-oriented development and development- oriented transportation, and create links between health care, public safety, education, and social services.

D. On major inter-regional issues, leaders will coordinate with their counterparts in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, and other neighboring states, and create statements of joint interest agreements. Canada will be involved as part of the Great Lakes Initiative.

Coordinated Planning and Government (Table 3)

A. In 2040, organizations and processes will be in place to facilitate cooperation among local officials and planners from across the region in addressing inter-related challenges that cut across jurisdictions, influence quality of life and result in solutions that create equity at the local and regional level.

B. Governments will promote efficiency and service delivery to its constituents by sharing resources and reducing destructive competition, balancing the need for economic development, a healthy environment, and equity across the region

C. The region will establish a vision characterized by social equity, a healthy economy and environmental enhancements. Planning for transportation and other infrastructure, land development, environmental enhancement and social justice will be integrated with each other and work towards attainment of the vision

D. On major inter-regional issues such as water, air quality, transportation, and land use, leaders will be mindful of the benefits of inter-regional cooperation and coordinate with counterparts in Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and other neighboring states

Economic Competitiveness (Table 4)

A. In 2040 the regions economy will be more sustainable and the economy will be a global leader that creates a growing economy.

B. Economic benefits and sustainability will be created through a comprehensive regional plan that makes efficient use of limited resources and that promotes investment in the new and existing communities by enhancing infrastructure, the environment, public health and safety, social equity and cultural and recreational amenities.

C. People and goods are able to move efficiently and comfortably to all destinations throughout our region by adding capacity to existing systems, modes, intermodal hubs that will expand choices.

D . Investments in education and training will prepare the region’s workforce with the skills to compete in the region’s global economy of 2040.

Economic Competitiveness (Table 5)

A. In 2040, the region’s economy will enjoy a global status that ensures superior job opportunities for all socio-economic strata across northeastern Illinois.

B. Economic benefits will be created through planning and implementation that makes efficient use of energy and other resources and that reinvests in existing communities to enhance infrastructure, including transportation, environment, public health, social equity cultural amenities, and education.

C. The Chicago region will thrive as the international hub of goods movement, through a fluid and expandable transportation system.

D. Investments, both in dollars and human capital, evaluation and continuous improvement will prepare the region’s workforce to fill with excellence the jobs for tomorrow and beyond.

Education and Workforce Development (Table 6)

A. In 2040, schools will have adequate funding, with well qualified instructor, accountability in terms of school performance, fiscal efficiency, and equity across the region.

B. Workforce development programs will be vital component in both educational and workplace structures that will ensure our economic prosperity and quality of life.

C. Learning opportunities beginning with early childhood will prepare young people across the region for a dynamic future that will enable them to fully participate in society.

D. Adequately funded and aligned educational institutions now (2040) allow all residents to benefit from seamless life long learning.

Energy and Resource Conservation (Table 7)

A. In 2040, the region will have effective local and regional stewardship for its extensive natural resources, preserved and managed using conservation principles, and seamlessly integrated with the built environment.

B. Shift energy use to sources which are low or no-eco footprint and provide transportation options and a work/play/shop paradigm to create lower overall impact (eco, time, cost, herd mentality)

C. Farmland will be viewed as an integral part of the region for the products it produces, the open space it provides and the soil and water resources it protects.

D. The coordination of regional and local efforts will address projected water supply shortages for many parts of the region.

Environmental Health (Table 8)

A. Metropolitan Chicago, in 2040, will exhibit protected and healthy ecosystems connected through sustained ecological functions shared by people and nature.

B. The region’s abundant open spaces and natural communities will be preserved through the corridors, networks and stewardship of public and private land and water resources.

C. Lake Michigan, its shores and biodiversity, are irreplaceable natural resources and will be protected and enhanced.

D. Design alternatives and abundant transportation options, to enhance the experience and to promote infill, and redevelopment, to reduce pressure to develop in environmentally sensitive areas, and enhance public health by creating communities that allow transportation choices.

Environmental Health (Table 9)

A. In 2040, metropolitan Chicago will become a world leader in implementing innovative measures to protect the environment including air quality, biodiversity, natural and human communities, water quality and supply, and the overall ecological health of the region.

B. Open space will be preserved and expanded—especially along sensitive water ways—to create green infrastructure networks that increase habitat corridors for native plant and animal species and enhance people’s connection with nature.

C. Lake Michigan will be protected in a coordinated effort with other states-regions-countries as an irreplaceable natural resource for health, economic prosperity (shipping, tourism, and transportation) and recreation.

D. Abundant transportation options, infill, and redevelopment will reduce pressure to develop in environmentally sensitive areas, enhancing public health by creating and supporting communities that allow environmentally sensitive areas to remain intact.

Equity (Table 10)

A. In 2040, the region as a whole will benefit the most by pursing equitable objectives that benefit each part of the region in terms of overall livability.

B. Policy and Investment decisions must consider their impacts on the region’s diverse residents.

C. All residents must have equitable access to economic opportunity, infrastructure, natural resources, housing and other public assets.

D. Intergovernmental cooperation through collaborative planning that eliminates fragmented power of independent actors will be key to achieving equity.

Equity (Table 11)

A. In 2040, the region as a whole while recognizing individual histories will benefit the most by pursuing equitable objectives that benefit each part of the region in terms of environmental justice, public health and safety, public and intermodal transportation, education, housing, taxation and overall livability

B. Policy and investment decisions will result in positive impacts on the region’s diverse residents equally

C. All residents must have equitable access to participate in the economy in a way that supports economic well being and prosperity, and provides access to economic opportunity, technology/ internet communications, infrastructure, natural resources and other public assets

D. Regional structure and intergovernmental cooperation through collaborative inclusive planning will be one key of many to achieving equity

Future Population Needs (Table 12)

A. In 2040, needs of the region’s population will be met through building on the non-tangible assets of the region (values, cultural diversity, etc.) and creating intentional collaboration of all people and their communities in the region.

B. In 2040, the land use, transportation, housing and other systems will meet the full spectrum of needs of all residents.

C. The impacts of policy and investment decisions on the needs of residents and businesses as they will exist in 2040, and how they will impact local communities and the region, will be addressed.

Housing (Table 13)

A. In 2040, residents of the region will have access to decent, safe and affordable housing across the region to assure baseline quality of life

B. The region’s communities and institutions will recognize that is housing is a basic human need, and the region will balance housing with workforce

D. The region’s approach to housing will respond to innovative national trends and mitigate regulatory barriers to resolve traditional challenges/ problems related to spatial disconnects.

Public Health and Safety (Table 14)

A. In 2040, residents will be able to choose healthy lifestyles that benefit from the availability of open space, mobility recreation options, diverse communities, and fresh locally grown food.

B. To protect public health and economic competitiveness, developing health management strategies with a focus on disease prevention, wellness and avoidance of risk factors, supported be a well managed health care system, will be a priority for decision makers in the public and business sectors.

C. In 2040, the region and its residents will be served by cohesive infrastructure and comprehensive systems for responding to and managing issues related to public health, security, transportation, storm water, fire, natural disasters and medical condition.

D. Residents will live, move and work in communities that are safer due to improved design, effective law enforcement and social responsibility built on mutual trust and intergovermental cooperation.

Quality of Life (Table 15)

A. In 2040, the Chicago region will be a magnet attracting new, diverse residents from all over the world due to its sustainable quality of life hallmarked by civic engagement.

B. The region will consist of attractive, interdependent communities with diverse housing options, multi- modal transportation and recreation choices, equitable access to employment, education and other regional assets.

C. Communities will have distinct identities, built on their histories, natural and physical assets and aesthetic preferences reflecting the unique character of their residents and businesses.

D. All residents of the region will be safe, healthy, educated, mobile and involved in their communities (with sustainable development, protecting open space and economic growth) regardless of age, income and ethnicity, collectively improving the overall quality of life.

Reinvestment and Infill (Table 16)

A. In 2040, the region will maximize the competitive advantage of our regional infrastructure, such as: 1) national railroad network, regional transit system, air, highway crossroads, water network by choosing a reinvestment and infill strategy.

B. Public and private investment in people, businesses and tax incentives, communities, homes, and physical infrastructure, will contribute to community prosperity, affordability, and vitality across the region.

C. “Fix it first” and improvement policies will maintain and enhance the current and future multi-modal transportation system. This should lead to ecologically sensitive and fiscally efficient investment decisions.

D. Intergovernmental cooperation based on mutual benefit will structure taxation in the region to promote reinvestment and equitable access to resources among communities, by recognizing the need for sustainability of both operations and capital, and by reflecting the true, full value of resources used.

Sustainability (Table 17)

A. In 2040, the region’s systems and activities will be sustainable in terms of the environment, equity, and government through a global approach that considers the needs of future generations in an intensive metropolitan economy with a public or private champion for sustainability.

B. The region will actively mitigate the effects of its activities on the environment, including climate change and will be prepared to adapt to the likely effects on the environment.

C. Sustainability is possible if the leaders of today and the future consider the impact of their decisions on conservation of the natural environment, economic health, quality of life, and regional equity, with an emphasis on education.

Transportation Accessibility and Efficiency (Table 18)

A. In 2040 the region’s transportation system will be accessible and efficient to ensure quality of life and economic competitiveness.

B. In order to provide a broad range of transportation choices that are inviting, easy to navigate, multi- modal, integrated and seamless, an on-going and ample prioritized investment in transportation must be made.

C. The transportation system will allow efficient movement with logistical support provided by intermodal centers that ease local connections to national and international markets.

D. Congestion will be managed in a multi-modal transportation system that fosters sustainable economic activity and a high quality of life.

Transportation Accessibility and Efficiency (Table 19)

A. In 2040, the region’s transportation system will be accessible and efficient to ensure the quality of life for all segments of the population and growing economic opportunity.

B. Invest in using the infrastructure we have - smarter. Change pricing and incentives to make transit more attractive and driving less: higher gas taxes, paid parking, etc. Invest in system design.

C. Accessible, frequent, affordable, and convenient system of transportation choices will be developed to a level that permits sustainable economic activity and a high quality of life.

D. The transportation system will allow efficient movement of freight, without degrading quality of life, with logistical support provided by intermodal centers that ease local connections to national and international markets.

E. Leader in developing a national freight policy.

Water Supply (Table 20)

A. In 2040, water resource and usage planning and stewardship will be the highest priority for governments, residents, and stakeholder groups across the region, and Great Lakes basin.

B. Water demand and supply will be managed responsibly to ensure equitable availability through drought and non-drought conditions alike.

C. The quality of ground-and surface water supplies for human use will be protected, and replenished from each water source will be managed to protect long-term productive yields.

D. Water quantity and quality will be sufficient to sustain aquatic ecosystems.

Keypad polling results from visioning event

After the development of bullet points for each vision theme by each table, all attendees were given an opportunity to rate each statement. The chart below shows the number of attendees who reacted positively, negatively, or in a neutral way to each set of vision statements. The numbers in parentheses indicate the table number of the group that developed the statements.

Environmental health (9)

Education and w orkforce development (6)

Economic competitiveness (5)

Quality of life (15)

Transportation accessibility and efficiency (18)

Coordinated planning and government (2)

Water supply (20)

Civic involvement (1)

Environmental health (8)

Economic competitiveness (4) Positive

Neutral Coordinated planning and government (3) Negative

Public health and safety (14)

Sustainability (17)

Reinvestment and infill (16)

Energy and resource conservation (7)

Housing (13)

Equity (11)

Transportation accessibility and efficiency (19)

Equity (10)

Future population needs (12)

0 255075100 As the above results show, there was considerable variation in the rating of each theme’s statements. For example, the bullets developed by table 9, who addressed environmental health, were rated positively by 57% of respondents and negatively by only 9%. In contrast, the bullets developed by table 12, who addressed future population needs, were rated positively by only 12% of respondents and negatively by 47%. These results were used by staff to help guide the changes made to each bullet after the visioning event was complete.

A further question (contained in worksheet 3) asked whether any themes could be combined or eliminated, and whether any themes should be considered “overarching.” Responses to this question led to the elimination of future population needs as a theme and the identification of equity, sustainability, and quality of life as overarching themes.